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Striking just the right tone in a text message or conveying complex ideas via tweets can be quite a challenge, which must be why Zlango, an app that enables users to communicate with images rather than words, just hit the 1.25 billion text mark.

Just as the Egyptians used hieroglyphics, texters can choose from a range of avatars, icons, and symbols to express themselves in a personal and unique way. The images are designed to reflect spoken language, slang, and culture to create more emotionally engaging messages. More than just fun and games, Zlango offers a marketing platform for brands. Brands can feature icons in the Zlango virtual store, which fans can then buy and use in their daily communications.

The company has raised $22 million to date, led by Benchmark Capital, with contributions from Accel and DAG Ventures. It currently has 25 employees with headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel and a lead office in San Francisco.

Design is determining the winners in everything mobile. The most successful players are focusing on one thing: How to make products, services, and devices as compelling and delightful as possible – visually, and experientially. MobileBeat 2012, July 10-11 in San Francisco , is assembling the most elite minds to debate how UI/UX is transforming every aspect of the mobile economy, and where the opportunities lie. Register here.